Uber and Lyft ride services are trying to replace taxi cabs. But, what is the difference a vehicle inspection for a cab and Uber/Lyft vehicle? A lot! The typical licensed and commercially insured taxi has an inspection carried out a licensed third party at specific intervals. Ride share vehicles are inspected maybe annually
Lyft and Uber require “newer” vehicles. For Uber, the vehicle has to be 2008 model year or newer. For Lyft, vehicles must be model year 2000 or newer. But, they both have a very relaxed vehicle inspection scheme. And when it comes to brakes, it is almost joke.
Both programs require a “peer-to-peer” inspection of a new driver’s vehicle or a “approved” mechanic must inspect the vehicle. The inspection form is filled with typos and is not really “mechanically” accurate. The worst is when the call the left and right front brake left and right “foot” on the Lyft inspection form.
What really bugs me is the lack of a set inspection procedures. Also, both the Uber and Lyft forms do not ask for rotor thickness measurements. Also, who is keeping these records?
When you consider the average New York taxi cab can cover 70,000 miles a year, you can see why three inspections a year are necessary to spot brake problems. Even if the average Uber car travels half this distance, chances are the brake pads will need to be replaced.